Four British troops have been killed in an explosion in Afghanistan, bringing to 106 the number of British military fatalities in the country since the invasion in November 2001.
The four soldiers, including one member of the Intelligence Corps, were killed in an explosion east of Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province.
In a statement issued this morning, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the four brave British soldiers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan and will be deeply mourned.
"They were in the most dangerous of jobs in the most difficult of circumstances.
"I salute not just their bravery, dedication and professionalism but that of all our Armed Forces. Our troops are the best in the world and fighting for the noblest of causes."